15-year-old will be tried in Peoria shooting

A 15-year-old boy appeared Monday in Peoria County Circuit Court, accused of participating in a robbery earlier this month that left one man shot in the leg. Demetrious E. Davis of 516 Fairholm Ave. in Peoria faces charges of armed robbery, home invasion and aggravated battery in connection with the Ap...

A 15-year-old boy appeared Monday in Peoria County Circuit Court, accused of participating in a robbery earlier this month that left one man shot in the leg.

Demetrious E. Davis of 516 Fairholm Ave. in Peoria faces charges of armed robbery, home invasion and aggravated battery in connection with the April 16 incident in the 600 block of East Lake Avenue.

The teen, whose case was transferred from the juvenile division, could face at least 21 years and possibly up to 45 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Judge Kim Kelley set his bond at $150,000 and scheduled a preliminary hearing May 23.

Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Pattelli said police were called to 623 E. Lake Ave. at around 8 p.m. April 16. There they found a 21-year-old man shot once in the upper leg.

According to police, he and others said they were at the home when four men, armed with guns, burst in and demanded money. The victim told police he threw his wallet at them, ran to a back room and jumped out a window.

The man then grabbed a board and went back into the home, where he encountered the men who were coming down stairs, Pattelli said in open court. The victim took a swing at the robbers, missed and was shot, Pattelli said.

Later, police were able to develop a photo lineup and the victim identified Davis but stated he wasn’t the man who shot him. Davis, however, is being charged under the legal theory he is accountable for the actions of the shooter.

Andy Kravetz can be reached at 686-3283 or akravetz@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @andykravetz.